Girls basketball regionals

Mount Ayr's Ashton Johnston releases a shot while Central Decatur sophomore Hallie Linhart closes in on defense during Central Decatur's 56-43 win over the Raiderettes on Saturday in Leon. Johnson finished with three assists for Mount Ayr.

Central Decatur 56, Mount Ayr 43

LEON — After trailing only 18-14 through one period, Mount Ayr got outscored 21-5 in the second quarter by Central Decatur as the Cardinals advanced in Class 2A regional play Saturday night, 56-43.

“We had a bad second quarter,” said Mount Ayr coach Thad Streit. “We had a long stretch where we didn’t score. We payed hard and knocked down some big shots and made a heck of a comeback, but we just dug too big of a hole to get out of.”

Trailing by 20 at half, Mount Ayr fought back with a 17-6 third quarter to trail 45-36 entering the fourth period, but the Cardinals improved to 19-3 with a strong fourth period.

Seniors Caitlin Giles and Taylor Still scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Mount Ayr (11-11). Still also had 12 rebounds. Paige Daughton and Ashton Johnston each had three assists and two steals for the Raiderettes.

Central Decatur plays at Des Moines Christian Tuesday night.

Villisca 64,

Orient-Macks. 19

VILLISCA — After building a 27-4 lead in the first period, Villisca (18-4) cruised to a 64-19 victory over Orient-Macksburg in Class 1A Regional action Thursday.

Jill Vanderhoof scored 21 points for Villisca. Also reaching double figures were MiKayla Dolch, Jenny King and Amanda Focht, each with 14, and Morganne Haer with 11.

“The girls gave a good effort tonight,” O-M coach Kelli Goodale said. “Some girls had to fill positions that they weren’t used to playing, but they stepped up admirably in those positions. Gabby and Chandy really worked hard out there, and will be missed next year, as will Morgan James, who was unable to play tonight due to injury.”